Search in:

Langer waiting in the wings for WA

Justin Chadwick

With Justin Langer expected to be announced as Western Australia coach within days, Warriors assistant Adam Griffith knows he'll be merely keeping the seat warm when he takes charge of the upcoming Sheffield Shield clash with South Australia.

Griffith was lured to WA as a bowling coach last summer, but has been temporarily thrust into the senior role following the resignation of coach Lachlan Stevens.

The WACA have already identified Langer as their preferred candidate to lead the team for the rest of the season and beyond, but will wait until Australia's Test match against South Africa is over before making a formal offer.

In the meantime, Griffith will lead the team for the Shield clash with South Australia at the WACA Ground, starting on Monday.

Advertisement

The former Tasmanian paceman, who snared 169 wickets at an average of 34.31 in 50 first-class outings, has enjoyed his time in WA, and said he would be keen to continue on at the Warriors beyond this season if the new coach was keen to retain his services.

"If JL's the man, or whoever the next coach is, hopefully I can start a really good relationship with that person and continue on," Griffith said.

"I've settled in to Perth really well. It's been an enjoyable time over here with the nice warm weather and good beaches.

"I've got some friends from back home in Tasmania who relocated here a few years ago, so it's been an easy transition for me."

Griffith was full of praise for Langer, and recalled some of their past battles out on the field.

"I got him out a couple of times, but I think he got on top of me a few times as well," said Griffith, who retired in May last year at the age of 33.

"It was always a challenge playing against him.

"He approaches every game intensely and looking to succeed.

"If he's the man to take over and brings that successful mindset to the group, that will be a real positive for us."

WA sit last on the Shield table following three outright defeats, with their only moment of joy coming last week when they picked up first-innings points against Victoria.

South Australia were having similar problems on the field up until their win over Tasmania, which broke a winless Shield run dating back to November 2010.

The Redbacks will also be bolstered by the return for former Test opener Phil Hughes.